Combat support agency

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DoD Organization December 2013

Combat Support Agency (CSA) is a designation used within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to identify agencies that provide military support beyond the standard force structure. These agencies play a crucial role in supporting the armed forces with specialized services, intelligence, logistics, and capabilities that are essential for operational effectiveness and efficiency across a wide range of military operations.

Overview

Combat Support Agencies are distinct from combat units, which are directly involved in the execution of military operations. Instead, CSAs offer support that enhances the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the combat forces. This support can include, but is not limited to, intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, logistics, communications, and research and development. The designation of an agency as a CSA is determined by the Secretary of Defense and is based on the agency's mission, capabilities, and the critical support it provides to combat forces.

List of Combat Support Agencies

As of the current designation, the following are recognized as Combat Support Agencies within the Department of Defense:

• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
• National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS)
• Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
• National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Each of these agencies has a specific role and set of responsibilities that contribute to the overall mission of the Department of Defense.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA): Provides military intelligence to warfighters, defense policymakers, and force planners in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community in support of U.S. military planning and operations and weapon systems acquisition.
• National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS): Responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications and foreign signals intelligence, as well as protecting U.S. government communications and information systems from similar agencies elsewhere.
• Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA): Provides direct information technology and communications support to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, military services, and combatant commands.
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA): Supplies the nation's military services and several civilian agencies with critical resources and materials.
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA): Delivers world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals, and first responders.
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA): Focuses on countering weapons of mass destruction and improvised threat networks.
• National Reconnaissance Office (NRO): Responsible for the design, build, launch, and maintenance of America's intelligence satellites.

Importance of Combat Support Agencies

Combat Support Agencies are vital for the integrated defense of the United States. They provide the technological edge and support services that enable the U.S. military to conduct operations around the globe. Their work supports not only strategic and operational planning but also the execution of military operations, making them an indispensable part of the national defense infrastructure.